Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, laid the foundation stone for the prestigious Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project near Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram today. Member of Parliament from Rajamahendravaram, D. Purandeswari, and State Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh were also present on the occasion. The project, with an estimated cost of more than 94 crore rupees, is aimed at transforming Rajamahendravaram into a major spiritual and cultural tourism hub. Speaking at the event, the Union Minister said the project will boost tourism infrastructure, generate employment for around 8,000 people, and attract 35 lakh tourists by 2035. He said that the Central Government has sanctioned 450 crore rupees for seven tourism projects across Andhra Pradesh and reaffirmed support through schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD.